The Tekken series has been one of the premier fighting franchises of the last 10 years, and it’s actually one of the few 3D fighting games I really enjoy. Tekken 4 was released in 2002, and it wasn’t exactly well received by hardcore fans of the franchise. Those fans will be happy to know Tekken 5 returns the entire franchise to its premier status, in what has to be the best fighting game on the PlayStation 2 (PS2).
The game comes loaded with different modes of play. They range from a full-out Story Mode for each character; to the Devil Within Mode that is actually more of an action game within a fighting game. In one instance the Modes even tie together. The Arcade Mode in the game is where you’ll earn currency that you can then use to alter characters (from clothes to accessories) that you use in the Story Mode. The modes of play aren’t the big standouts though, just additions to the superb gameplay and presentation.
The fighting engine (part of the gameplay) you’ll find in Tekken 5 is second-to-none. Attacks build on themselves, and even though the game is total fantasy, they make real-world sense. In Tekken a kick is easier to execute if you’ve stunned an opponent with a mild punch, and a mild punch is easier to execute if you’ve thrown a quick jab. The game still has moves that would make Newton roll over in his grave, but the basics make sense.
Unlike most of the 2D side-scrolling games (like Street Fighter), you won’t be doing a lot of awkward controller motions. Your attacks are performed with timed and/or ordered button presses. It’s very easy to pick up and play, but extremely difficult to master – making it a game for all.
Each character you’ll play as is distinctive, and different in some way. There are quite a few available (and hidden) characters to choose from, and you won’t find a clone of any of them kicking around in the Tekken 5 roster.
Each fighter is beautiful to look at as well. In fact these are probably some of the best graphics on the PS2. Throw in some amazing looking levels, beautifully rendered Full-Motion Video sequences for every character (you’ll find them in the story mode), lifelike animations, and you’ve got little to complain about when it comes to the visuals.
The audio end of things hasn’t always been Tekken’s strong suit, but for this sequel we can finally say that it is. The game has got great variety in its musical score, in addition to some superb and plentiful voice acting.
The game isn’t perfect though (thanks to what’s not included). Tekken 5 gets a big minus for no online play. It’s getting to a point where no matter how good a title may be if you don’t include some kind of online functionality you’re doing gamers a disservice. If it had been included (and was done well) online play probably would have garnered Tekken 5 an almost perfect score.
It’s the most fully featured fighting game on the PS2, and even comes packed with Tekken 1-3 for those interested in nostalgia. This is a must-own for PlayStation 2 fighting fans and worth the rental if you’re interested in checking out pretty games.
- - -
BOTTOMLINE
Best looking, best sounding, best playing fighting game on the PlayStation 2. Excusing the fact there’s no online functionality, if fighting is your genre of choice this is your game of choice.
